Introduction to Newsela Elementary

What is Newsela Elementary?

Newsela Elementary is a version of Newsela made up of articles specifically curated by the Newsela team for younger readers, typically grades 2-6.

What are the criteria used to select articles for Newsela Elementary?

The Newsela editorial team selects articles for inclusion in Newsela Elementary by asking whether younger readers have the background knowledge and maturity to understand the article. Articles on Newsela Elementary do not include sensitive content (e.g. tragic events) or topics that require extensive background knowledge (e.g. politics).

How do my students get to Newsela Elementary?

If you have designated your classroom as Newsela Elementary, when your students sign into Newsela, they will get the Newsela Elementary experience, only seeing articles that are designated as Elementary articles.

Note: if a student is enrolled in both Elementary and non-Elementary classrooms, they will see all Newsela articles, Elementary or not.

How do I know which articles are Elementary?

You can use search the advanced search filter to select Elementary articles only.

To do this:

Click Search Newsela at the top of the Newsela homepage.

Click Advanced Search.

In the left bar that reads Narrow Your Choices, scroll down and check the box for Elementary.

Note: When you set one of your classrooms to Elementary, the Elementary filter will be turned on by default in your search results. You can always turn this on or off manually.

What are Max6 articles?

Max6 articles are a subset of Elementary articles that have a maximum reading level near or around 6th grade. This allows us to offer content at smaller, more appropriate intervals for elementary students (e.g. grades 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6), compared to our other articles (e.g. grades 3, 5, 7, 9, 12). Max6 articles will be indicated by an icon on the article for the teacher, but the icon will not be shown to students to minimize any potential stigma.

What if I want to share a non-Elementary article with my students?

Teachers ultimately know what is appropriate for their students. If you find an article that you would like to share with your students, simply assign it to your elementary class. This will allow your students to access the article from their accounts even if it is not an elementary article.

Why should I use Newsela Elementary?

Newsela Elementary makes it easy for teachers of younger readers to find articles that are thought-provoking, engaging and educational for their students. These articles contain no descriptions of or references to mature topics at any of our five reading levels. This ensures that younger students with above-grade reading skills can push themselves to engage with the highest level of the article without encountering content that is too mature.